Rewrite Your Professional Future with Narrative Therapy

The stories we tell ourselves wield immense power. Our narratives shape our perceptions, beliefs, and actions, influencing every aspect of our life journey – including how we translate our professional identity to others. The stories we internalize about ourselves and our experiences can either propel us forward or hold us back. They can be the difference between a record-setting year bursting with opportunities, or a difficult struggle to make ends meet.

If the professional story you’re currently living involves limiting beliefs or negative self-talk, Narrative Therapy can work wonders. This psychological approach invites you to examine the plot holes and hiccups in your career so you can reframe your narrative in a more productive and fulfilling way. 

From now until September 1, Pluto is retrograde in Aquarius. This is an especially powerful time to leverage Narrative Therapy. Pluto, the enigmatic planet of transformation and regeneration, is associated with your subconscious mind. In Aquarius, Pluto retrograde can give you an intimate understanding of the role you play in the grand scheme of your business, your industry, and your life. This is a primal pocket of time where you can uncover the root of your inner monologue. It’s a gift that enables you to dive deep into your psyche, revealing the hidden stories that shape your professional identity and aspirations.

Take some time during Pluto retrograde to try this Narrative Therapy exercise: 

1. Begin by setting clear intentions. Reflect on the aspects of your professional narrative that you wish to examine or potentially transform. Consider areas where you feel stuck, unfulfilled, or in need of clarity.

2. Dedicate time to reflective journaling. Allow your thoughts and feelings to flow freely onto the page. Explore prompts and questions that invite you to delve into the narratives that shape your professional identity and experiences. Ask yourself questions like:

What are the dominant narratives or beliefs that shape your professional identity?
How do you perceive success and failure in your career?
What are the defining moments or experiences that have shaped your professional journey?

3. Take note of any patterns or themes that emerge. Pay attention to limiting beliefs or negative self-talk that seems to arise as you meditate on your professional narrative. Acknowledge these beliefs without judgment, recognizing them as stories that you have internalized over time.

4. Challenge your assumptions. Once you’ve identified your limiting beliefs, challenge them by exploring alternative perspectives or reframing your narrative. Ask yourself questions like: 

What evidence supports or contradicts this belief? 

How might I reinterpret this experience in a way that empowers me? 

What new possibilities emerge when I release this limiting belief? 

5. Create empowering affirmations. Based on your reflections and reframing efforts, craft a series of empowering affirmations that reflect your desired professional narrative. These affirmations should affirm your strengths, values, and aspirations. Examples might include: 

I am campable, resourceful, and resilient in navigating challenges.

I embrace failure as an opportunity for growth and learning.

I trust in my ability to create meaningful impact in my work.

6. Immerse yourself in the ideal narrative. Take time to visualize your ideal professional narrative as if it were already a reality. Engage your senses to fully embody this vision, allowing it to guide and inspire you. How do you sound in this new story? What does your environment look like in this new story? What do you feel in this new story? 

7. Integration and action. Use these affirmations and the associated feelings as guiding principles in your daily life and professional practice. Let them inform your decisions and interactions at work. When you encounter challenges, setbacks, or anything that brings up your old narrative, return to your affirmations as a source of inspiration and motivation. 

Just like muscle training, you may need to reaffirm your new story repeatedly over time before noticing the impact in full force. Luckily, Pluto retrograde in Aquarius can help you cement your ideal narrative in a healthy way. With consistent practice, you can reprogram your subconscious mind, helping you notice more opportunities and believe in your worthiness to seize them.